What is a shamanic earth? It is one that is filled with loving goodness for the planet and all of her inhabitants. The bugs and insects. Plants and trees. Animals and human beings. It is living in a world and society that nurtures and cares for our environment, not just stealing from, exploiting, or destroying it. It is Being One with ourselves by Being One with the Land.

Did you know that tons of just plastic alone is covering the Earth, with about 91% of that not being recycled? As a species we produce an overly significant amount of waste and materials in our daily life that's infecting the earth. Plastic, being one of them, takes 400 years to degrade. It has been predicted that there will be more plastic in the oceans than there is fish. At the rate we are going, there will be enough waste to outweigh the Empire State Building. The United States currently ranks behind other countries such as Europe and China who are currently at a recycling percentage of 25% and higher.

As a community we must come together in producing less waste and managing the hygeine of our planet. Compared to most species, humans have been known to destroy the ecosystem more than build it. Animals, all the way down to the smallest celluar organisms, are apart of a natural life cycle that supplies their species with food, homes, and other resources while also nurturing the growth of the planet. This is done through pollination, seeding and even decomposing. Thus providing more trees, plant life, flora and resources for the survival of other species. Most importantly for the Earth.

While we can't go back in time to save our planet, we can act in the present. Many more active intiatives are developing across the U.S. to help reverse the effects of producing litter. This is why we are seeing more restaurants and companies substituting plastic straws for metal or degradable paper, and even an increase in biodegrable and compostable takeout material. Each step helps us to grow more and more while saving the health of our beautiful Mama Gaia. She is the Earth and deserves some effort. I mean, we do live here and in order to survive we need her just as much as she needs us, so let's work together to provide more healthier living for each other.

How can you help? Simple. It starts in our day to day activity. Start by picking up and throwing away stray trash that you find on the ground. No matter how small or how large, every piece properly disposed, or undisposed, counts. Another thing you can do is remind others to throw away their trash, not toss it on the ground or out of the windows while driving. Something many of us do without question or true thought. Imagine that every piece of trash you toss is swallowed and ingested by a wild animal or even a curious pet. Chances are, they're actually suffocating, dying, or damaging their internal system with this waste. Other simple acts include supporting and buying from more companies, businesses, and restaurants that are actively trying to save the ecosystem. How do you know this? Well, look for recycle bins and recycled products on packaging and even go a step farther by asking about or researching your favorite brands. Most things found in grocery stores are now more easily recyclable and are comprised of 100% recycled materials. Although some aren't 100% recycled materials, any number is a step closer to a clean planet. Lastly, tell a friend. Spreading the word and word of mouth are our most powerful tools in creating awareness. Refer them to this website or Google some numbers and facts about the status of our planet. This will assist in the ripple effect of proactive awareness for Pachamama, another name for our beautiful earth mother. If you aren't already recycling, start by creating a separate bin for trash and another for recycling later. There you can collect and dispose at your nearest recycle bin or recycling facility based on where you live.

Find out how you and others can help through these other global plans and initiatives!

• National Geographic - Planet or Plastic? and other non-profit opportunities

• The Captain Planet Foundation (read and donate)

Scroll further to learn more about the "4our Mama Gaia" plan created by Shamanic Earth.